1-1

“We won our last two matches but we can be better. Our next step is to be in the top 10.

“We want to improve and to be dominant in the idea I want to create. Our focus is how we can play and manage the 90 minutes ourselves. We then have to adapt to the tactical way of our opponents.

“We controlled the game better in the first half. We got to their box with good combinations but they attacked well with their wingers and we had to be careful of that.

“It was a good point, we prefer to win, but at the end it’s fine.

“They had 12 corners and it’s difficult to defend every corner.

“I am happy because we know before the match it was going to be difficult. After 90 minutes and the first half we deserved more. We controlled the game. We scored the first goal but they pushed us as well and had chances. The second half was a little bit more open than I wanted. We were controlling very well but maybe there was a moment to score and win the match. It’s probably a fair result.

“I’ve watched [the penalty decision for West Ham] and I respect the referees 100 per cent but my opinion is that it’s very soft.

“I didn’t watch [our stronger case for a penalty]. I didn’t watch the possible penalty with Buendia.

“We played against a good team who are under pressure to escape from the bottom. I played one time here and lost. Villa played here in the last matches and lost. We could have been more consistent with ball possession, trying to take our time. I think we can improve and can progress. “

“First half, in four or five progressing we did with the idea we are creating. We deserved more but we did a lot of things very good. But we also have to improve. We missed building up which we’ll try to do.

“The result is positive. We are keeping the distance from those at the bottom. Next week we will play a key match and how we go into the last few matches into the season.

“The second is, if we’re winning like we have been, we can face the teams in the top 10 so we can get them. The opportunities are coming again on Saturday.

“Today we lost that opportunity to be clearly closer to the top 10 teams. Next week is the same preparation. We’re at home to Bournemouth and I’m excited. We want to improve on some tactical issues we’re working on.

“We have to avoid the opponent when they attack with the winger. It was the same at Everton. We did better there but, today, we corrected it. In minute 30 we spoke with Alex Moreno and in the dressing room and we corrected it.

“I think we did better but, of course, they are trying with two very good wingers with Benrahma and Bowen to try and attack us from there and they did. “

“More or less, we did better than worse.

“Of course, hopefully [Ollie Watkins can continue his goalscoring run]! I think he’s competitive himself. He’s practicing every day trying to learn and do more work than the team is demanding.

“Individually he’s working, watching videos and trying to practice a lot scoring and doing individual movement in the box.

“Of course, this is the good spirit to improve. He is very demanding every day. He’s scoring because he’s a good striker and we have to help him trying to get him in the box. He’s helping the team. He’s the first line of defence. He’s doing a competitive job.

“Yes… Sometimes I’m being demanding with him [to stay in the box]. I try to improve in the small spaces to move better and to be in the box, being more efficient. His movement and his comfort with the ball. That is his improvement. He’s demanding and critical of himself. He’s listening.

“He’s not injured. We have to push and help with Jhon Duran to add impact. He had two small chances. I have to use the players in 90 minutes trying to give them the possibility to help us. That is the reason [Ollie Watkins was taken off on 85’]

“Leon Bailey… He’s playing in his best position in the squad and we’re speaking to him, trying to improve and to use his characteristic getting wide, one-on-one and sometimes playing more between a No.7 and No.9.

“He can have better moments and I told him before the match that, sometimes, to play a brilliant match is not only offensively but sometimes defensively. We will need to do it and our performances away before this match were winning four from five. Today we drew. That is very good performances. Basically it’s because defensively we’re very committed with everybody.”

Unai Emery.